The European Commission has begun work on the sixth package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, which will contain provisions on EU embargo on Russian oil suppliesEuropean Commission Vice President Valdis Dobrovskis told reporters on Monday his arrival at a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg.
“The European Commission has made it clear that it has begun work on a sixth package of sanctions with the possibility of imposing an oil embargo,” he told reporters when asked about the need for further energy restrictions. imports from Russia.
Mr Dobrowski also added that the Commission had begun “active efforts” to “build consensus” between EU countries on the issue.
The foreign ministers of Ireland, Lithuania and the Netherlands followed suit, although there is no agreement on a ban on Russian oil.
“They are now working to ensure that oil is part of the next package of sanctions,” said Irish Foreign Minister Simon Cowney, referring to the European Commission as he met with his European counterparts in Luxembourg.
“The European Union is spending hundreds of millions of euros on oil imports from Russia, which is definitely helping to finance this war. “We need to cut that funding; the sooner the better, the better.”
His Dutch and Lithuanian counterparts also said the European Commission was looking for ways to target Russian oil, which accounts for about a quarter of EU crude imports, as a means of pressuring Russia to stop bombing Ukrainian cities. .
“We are considering all other (sanctions), including energy,” said Dutch Foreign Minister Vopke Hookstra. The European Parliament voted in favor of an embargo last week, although its decision is not binding.
The European bloc, which has been mobilizing over what Russia says is the killing of civilians by Russian troops after Moscow’s invasion on February 24, last week approved a fifth round of sanctions against Russia, including ending Russian imports. . Russia denies targeting civilians in what it describes as a “special operation” to demilitarize and “de-Nazify” its neighbor.
A possible oil embargo depends on the technical details of the extent and timing of such a move as well as the support of EU Member States. Energy dependence varies across the European bloc, with countries such as Bulgaria depending almost entirely on Russian oil. Hungary has said it cannot support an oil embargo.
The position of Germany, the EU’s largest economy, will be crucial. Foreign Minister Alena Berbok, speaking at a meeting in Luxembourg, called for a “coordinated plan for the gradual, full release of fossil fuels” from Russia, but EU diplomats have said that Berlin does not actively support an immediate imposition of sanctions.
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